• Quarterback Chad Henne didn't put up great numbers in 2009, his first as a starter, but you could see his confidence grow as the season moved along. He has a big arm and he understands where to go with the football. The Dolphins have finally answered their quarterback problems that date back to Dan Marino. "Where I see the most improvement with Chad is the touch or finesse throws and his knowledge of the offense," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. It helps that he has receiver Brandon Marshall now to throw to outside, a player who will open up the rest of the offense.

• The offensive tackles. In left tackle Jake Long and right tackle Vernon Carey, the Dolphins have one of the top tandems in the league. Long went to the Pro Bowl last season and Carey should have. As a right tackle, Carey is a mauler in the run game. The Dolphins should be happy to have this pair for a long time.

• Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. He is one of the best in football. Nolan left Denver after one season to come to the Dolphins. He brings an attack style of defense that will cause problems for opponents. In watching Miami practice, you could see guys coming from all over the field. Linebackers, corners and safeties all blitzed in the two days I watched practice.

• Second-year corners Sean Smith and Vontae Davis started as rookies in 2009. Smith had 16 starts and Davis had nine. They bring an aggressive approach that will help Nolan. Their ability to play man coverage will go a long way in determining how aggressive the Dolphins will be. I think they'll be pretty aggressive.

• Randy Starks. Who? He was Miami's best defender last season and should have played in the Pro Bowl. But as a 3-4 end, he was overlooked. Now he moves inside to play nose tackle. He is plenty big and should do a nice job making the transition.

Hate

• The tight ends. The Dolphins think getting Marshall will help open up the tight ends, but is there really anybody who excites? Anthony Fasano is the starter, and he isn't a great downfield threat. They did bring back former Dolphins tight end David Martin to help. This is a position that needs to be addressed through the draft.

• The Wildcat. When it worked, I hated it. It's a gimmick. But at least back then, it was needed. It isn't anymore. With Henne, Marshall and a good group of receivers, it's time to be more conventional. Run the Wildcat in special situations, but let Henne have the ball, not split wide as a blocker.

• The edge rushers. In a 3-4 defense, the outside rushers have to provide the pass rush. Miami is taking a big risk by planning to start rookie Koa Misi and second-year NFL player Cameron Wake. Those two take over for veterans Joey Porter and Jason Taylor. I like the idea of getting younger, but it's asking a lot to put two inexperienced players in as starters at key spot. I like Misi, but he will take some time to adjust. Wake played 250 or so snaps last year, but mostly as a nickel rusher. He did get 5½ sacks. "He's made a lot of progress," Sparano said. "He looks more natural in coverage." Wake has to show that he can drop into zones and handle the passing game.

• Dan Henning's offense. It's time to open things up. The Dolphins have been way too run-heavy, including using the Wildcat. Now it's time to turn Henne loose. Henning's passing-game concepts are too simplistic, too outdated.

• The interior of the offensive line. While Long and Carey are a strong point, the interior three remains unsettled. All three jobs will be decided in the preseason.

I've never hated the wildcat. It's part of Miami's identity and it's time Dolphins fans and NFL fans alike to embrace it as part of the Dolphins DNA. It's what we do. Like it or not, here it comes...now try to stop it.

The edge rushers. In a 3-4 defense, the outside rushers have to provide the pass rush. Miami is taking a big risk by planning to start rookie Koa Misi and second-year NFL player Cameron Wake. Those two take over for veterans Joey Porter and Jason Taylor. I like the idea of getting younger, but it's asking a lot to put two inexperienced players in as starters at key spot. I like Misi, but he will take some time to adjust. Wake played 250 or so snaps last year, but mostly as a nickel rusher. He did get 5½ sacks. "He's made a lot of progress," Sparano said. "He looks more natural in coverage." Wake has to show that he can drop into zones and handle the passing game.

Pete's not fit to hold my jock in analysis. I was a little worried before preseason and it took all of one series on defense for me to realize Koa Misi will compete for ROY come December. Big talk. Yeap, certainly that after one preseason game but here's the reason why: He tried to come off the edge and got swallowed by the LT because the LT was totally disrespecting the guys power. The very next play he pushes the left tackle right back into Freeman's Face forcing an incompletion. He was inches from a sack. On several other plays he set the edge and the running game was stuffed. He also showed good burst outside later in the quarter. In coverage, he was fast and fluid. Most of the Bucs running plays and screens went to the other side. Wake is more of a concern but what does that say about Misi? Wake looked lost in the mud. With his speed neutralized he really couldn't get going. This bears watching and Alama-Francis is a guy who will certain get his share of plays in on first down. I think this guy not only makes the roster but nails down the role Roth played for Miami. The run stuffer who sets the edge.

I've never hated the wildcat. It's part of Miami's identity and it's time Dolphins fans and NFL fans alike to embrace it as part of the Dolphins DNA. It's what we do. Like it or not, here it comes...now try to stop it.

Teams have caught onto it and it takes momentum away from Henne. I saw it first hand last year at a game. Henne is moving the ball and the wildcat comes in the drive stalls. The Wildcat needs to go.

[quote="Makchell"]I've never hated the wildcat. It's part of Miami's identity and it's time Dolphins fans and NFL fans alike to embrace it as part of the Dolphins DNA. It's what we do. Like it or not, here it comes...now try to stop it.

Teams have caught onto it and it takes momentum away from Henne. I saw it first hand last year at a game. Henne is moving the ball and the wildcat comes in the drive stalls. The Wildcat needs to go.[/quote]

I've never hated the wildcat. It's part of Miami's identity and it's time Dolphins fans and NFL fans alike to embrace it as part of the Dolphins DNA. It's what we do. Like it or not, here it comes...now try to stop it.

Teams have caught onto it and it takes momentum away from Henne. I saw it first hand last year at a game. Henne is moving the ball and the wildcat comes in the drive stalls. The Wildcat needs to go.

I disagree. I think it needs to be situational. The Wildcat stalled when Ronnie got injured. It would still be an excellent 3rd and short as well as goal line offense.

The Dolphins are taking a risk with two young outside linebackers. I can understand Prisco's feelings about kicking JT and Porter to the curb as they were proven players who created a lot of havoc in the other team's backfield. Still, they are part-time players now and their run support isn't what it was. I agree with letting Porter go, but we should have held onto JT. I think Parcells was being a jerk in dealing with JT. I think the Jets were smart to overpay for JT as he will still be a good pass rusher, and he has the inside slant on a team that swept the Jets last year. Two bad moves by Parcells in not signing JT and letting him go to the Jets.

As far as the Wild Cat, Prisco has always made it known that he does not like the package. Now me, I like it a lot with Ronnie taking snaps. The Wild-Pat was useless and took away from the momentum of the game. Get rid of the Wild Pat and use the Wild Cat when the offense needs a jolt ... not when it is racing down the field.

I am also concerned about our guards, but only because they are not able to gain chemistry due to injuries. I think John Jerry is going to be a good one for us down the road.

I disagree with throwing more on Henne. Sure he could be our QB of the future, but this is will be his first season where he attempts to start all 16 games. We have a darn good set of RB's with Brown, Williams, Hilliard and Cobbs and would be foolish to move away from that.

The wildcat with Ronnie Brown is one of the most effective formations we've seen from this offense since we had Dan Marino in the shotgun, so all the hate is really baffling. As for the WildPat... again, the kid ran the offense for like 5 plays... it's amazing how quickly people jump on a guys nuts.

Everyone wants instant gratification and it's pathetic. Ohhh Pat Turner didn't start at all last year, he must suck, let's cut him. Pat White played in 5 plays in horrible situations and did nothing, lets cut him. Give me a freakin break people... not everyone comes into the league and lights things up right away... actually, it's a rarity.

Parcells-Sparano-Ireland want a smashmouth offense. THE POWER RUN GAME WILL NEVER GO AWAY, even if we were to acquire larry fitz, randy moss, miles austin, TO< and brandon marshall, under this regime, I WOULD STILL expect 35 running plays per game, and if it's working, why not more...... the wildcat IS our identity. AND IT SHOULD BE USED AS SUCH. People know we are gonna cram the wildcat down your throat, try and stop it. and even then, we should still use it to set up Henne. Remember that reverse flip to Penny with cobbs streaking down the middle....... well? reverse flip to Henne, with marshall streaking, ooooo upgrade. Either way, the wildcat is here to stay, and I expect 5-7 plays per game win lose or draw..... (10 against the patsies just to rub their nose in it, and throw the pat white pistol in there too). Henning is not outdated, we are not a spread formation brady fling it around type team. If that is innovative, i would like to remind everyone how Baltimore with Ray Rice single handedly destroyed the "best offense in the snow' in 1 quarter!! Teams like Miami and NYJ (unfortunately) are built for playoff success....... Think Pitt back when they had Bettis... Teams built to throw it around do great in sept, but they fizzle out at the end of the year. Henne is our leader now, and we are all excited, but we have 2 pro bowl RBs lining up right behind him. Pummel the livin sh*t out of opponents, and then let henne mop up the slop afterwards, it's what we were designed for, and just accept it....

As for the OLB discussion. Yes we are all a little nervous here. Wake is a specialist, but is that EXACTLY what Porter was? Porter complained or let up if he wasnt sent in to blitz. Yes it was effective, but either way, he was horrible in run support, and horrible in coverage. How can Wake be a downgrade..... i dont see it. Koa Misi looks like a stud, and as a SOLB should be an upgrade over JT playing out of position. Either way, our LBs are better than what they were last year, and without primadonna would be "captain" titles..... plus, Prisco forgets, we are now a hybrid defense, not a true 3-4 anymore.

I agree with letting Porter go, but we should have held onto JT. I think Parcells was being a jerk in dealing with JT. I think the Jets were smart to overpay for JT as he will still be a good pass rusher, and he has the inside slant on a team that swept the Jets last year. Two bad moves by Parcells in not signing JT and letting him go to the Jets.

I agree with you 100% Dave.I know I was a JT homer when he was here. He's gone now and I'm over it, but I'm really afraid this may be a decision the fo made that could come back to haunt us.

I agree with letting Porter go, but we should have held onto JT. I think Parcells was being a jerk in dealing with JT. I think the Jets were smart to overpay for JT as he will still be a good pass rusher, and he has the inside slant on a team that swept the Jets last year. Two bad moves by Parcells in not signing JT and letting him go to the Jets.

I agree with you 100% Dave.I know I was a JT homer when he was here. He's gone now and I'm over it, but I'm really afraid this may be a decision the fo made that could come back to haunt us.

Completely disagree.

Good for Bill Parcells for not even talking to Taylor in the off season. JT's excuse was "if they offered me an extension in December, why not give me one now?"....HELLLLOOOOOOO...why didn't you take that extension in December?? C'mon JT....

I blame this divorce completely on Taylor. He should have accepted that contract in December, and I still don't understand why he did not. Bill Parcells is a straight forward, stubborn manager and we all know that and so should JT. He offered him something, JT turned it down and then when the Patriots and all those other teams were'nt drooling all over him like he had hoped, he ran back to the Dolphins looking for another contract. Bill Parcells said 'yeah right, we offered you one before and you turned it down, your done to us'.

But at the end of the day, however you look at it, JT is a Jet and that is completely unacceptable. He has lost all credibility and respect that I had for him as a professional and a person, and he is dead to me now and I hope he never steps foot in that stadium with anything to smile about ever again.

I disagree with throwing more on Henne. Sure he could be our QB of the future, but this is will be his first season where he attempts to start all 16 games. We have a darn good set of RB's with Brown, Williams, Hilliard and Cobbs and would be foolish to move away from that.

The wildcat with Ronnie Brown is one of the most effective formations we've seen from this offense since we had Dan Marino in the shotgun, so all the hate is really baffling. As for the WildPat... again, the kid ran the offense for like 5 plays... it's amazing how quickly people jump on a guys nuts.

Everyone wants instant gratification and it's pathetic. Ohhh Pat Turner didn't start at all last year, he must suck, let's cut him. Pat White played in 5 plays in horrible situations and did nothing, lets cut him. Give me a freakin break people... not everyone comes into the league and lights things up right away... actually, it's a rarity.

Good for Bill Parcells for not even talking to Taylor in the off season. JT's excuse was "if they offered me an extension in December, why not give me one now?"....HELLLLOOOOOOO...why didn't you take that extension in December?? C'mon JT....

Uh, yeah. Parcells scribbled his offer on a napkin and wanted to avoid JT's agent. I think we all know that Parcells negotiated his own contract through his own agent.

Good for Bill Parcells for not even talking to Taylor in the off season. JT's excuse was "if they offered me an extension in December, why not give me one now?"....HELLLLOOOOOOO...why didn't you take that extension in December?? C'mon JT....

Uh, yeah. Parcells scribbled his offer on a napkin and wanted to avoid JT's agent. I think we all know that Parcells negotiated his own contract through his own agent.

Does it matter how he offered it? Ricky took it on a sticky note...

JT said all along that all he wanted to do was play for the Dolphins for 2 more years to finish his career, and all he wanted was an offer. Parcells gave him one and he turned it down.

But again, regardless of whose side your on, JT is a Jet, and at the end of the day there is no excuse for that.

Two things: we're talking about Ricky Williams here who does nothing by normal standards, and JT wasn't offered $4.5 million dollars;)

Phins Rock wrote:

But again, regardless of whose side your on, JT is a Jet, and at the end of the day there is no excuse for that.

Totally agree. Business or no business, you do not play for your hated rival. That is why JT is dirt to Dolphins fans and Brett Favre is dung to Packers fans. I will boo JT as loud as anyone else when I see him line up with a green jersey.